History, adventure, and the haunts of Jim Hinckley. I suppose that this phrase could serve as the cornerstone for a Kingman, Arizona marketing initiative. After all, there is a palpable sense of history in Kingman. And there is an almost endless array of opportunities for adventure in this dusty old desert crossroads.

And I am a bit of a fixture in my adopted hometown. Some folks in Kingman seem to think of me as a celebrity. Still, to be honest there are also quite a few people that think of tall trees and ropes when my name is mentioned as I have a tendency to stir the pot a bit when it comes to tourism.

I struggle with that idea of being viewed as a celebriity. But I can’t deny that lots of journalists and Route 66 adventurers seek me out while traveling this storied old road. And a number of companies including Two Lane America, Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours, Adventure Caravans, Route 66 Germany, Czech Route 66 Associaiton,and Route 66 Tours make me a part of every tour when they stop in Kingman. So, the haunts of Jim Hinckley could woven into this tourism marketing campaign.

So, if the open road is calling your name, and the scent of creosote after a monsoon sets your heart to racing, then Kingman, Arizona needs to be a destination on your travel map. Nestled in the shadow of the rugged Cerbat Mountains and surrounded by stories older than the highway itself, Kingman offers a blend of old-school Americana, and a vibrant sense of community.

Explore Kingman with Kingman Tours

Start your Kingman adventure the high-tech way. It begins at the statue of yours truly, sculpted by the talented J. Anne Butler and that stands proud at Depot Plaza, site of the Route 66 Walk of Fame. This isn’t just a photo op. This is your launchpad for Kingman Tours (www.kingman.tours), a narrated, QR code-based self-guided experience that lets travelers explore the town’s historic heart at their own pace. Think of it as the Old West and Route 66 meets the 21st century.

The tour could aptly be described as “History, Adventure, and The Haunts of Jim HInckley.” From the 1915 Old Trails Garage with restored neon Packard sign to the Sportsman’s Club that opened in 1906 as the Palace Saloon. Along the way you’ll hear tales of pioneers, travelers and celebrities such as Louis Chevrolet and Andy Devine. And you will learn the story behind public art and the artists.

And, perhaps, just maybe, you’ll spot the real-life version of that statue wandering into a favorite haunt like Calico’s Restaurant for breakfast (www.calicosrestaurant.com) or sipping a rich cup of roast on the patio at Mudd on 66 (www.muddon66.com). If our paths do cross, and you have one of my books, I would be happy to deface it with a signature.

Dream Machines and Classic Steel

Craving chrome, horsepower, and a one of a kind souvenir? Make a pit stop at Dunton Motors Dream Machines, a one family owned dealership that opened in 1946. Inside, you’ll find an ever-changing display of classic cars—vintage Fords, thunderous muscle cars, and an antique or two.

Pedal Power with Purpose

One of the best ways to see Kingman is on two wheels. That’s where Kingman Rental Bikes (www.kingmanrentalbikes.com) comes in. Led by the always enthusiastic Jen, this photo op paradise in a renovated 1930 service station with period gas pumps, offers convenient rentals that turn Kingman’s historic district into your personal playground.

And here’s a road trip tip: Jen will be joining me on the July 27, 2025, episode of Coffee With Jim, my weekly podcast on Podbean (listen here)—we’ll be chatting about bike-friendly tourism, hidden gems, and the power of a good pair of pedals.

Trail Time in the Cerbat Foothills & White Cliffs

Whether you’re chasing sunrise solitude or golden-hour photo ops, the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area and White Cliffs Wagon Road Trails are pure desert magic. These hiking and biking trails wind through volcanic ridges, along old wagon roads, and through shadowed canyons.

The White Cliffs Trail offers breathtaking views and a tangible connection to centuries of history And if you’re lucky, you might cross paths with a bit of wildlife, or a local legend with dusty boots.

Evenings Done Right: BBQ, Brews & History

After a day exploring the desert’s beauty and Route 66 history, it’s time to unwind. For dinner I can highly recommend Floyd & Company (www.floydandcompany.com). My dearest friend and I are regular customers when in town.

There is a hint of hickory smoke in the air. Wood-fired pizzas and house BBQ are the Floyd family specialties. And that is what keep locals and travelers coming back for more.

Wrap up the evening with a pint at the Sportsman’s Club, a no-frills watering hole that’s been serving up cold drinks since 1906. It’s been a favorite haunt of mine for nearly fifty years. And it’s the perfect place to swap road stories and rub shoulders with folks who know this town inside and out.

Tin Can Alley & Depot Plaza: Events, Eats & Community

No visit to Kingman can be considered complete without stopping by Tin Can Alley (www.tincanalleyon66.com) for at least a photo op. Aside from the vintage Airstream trailers, there are murals by acclaimed artist Ray Harvey.

A better option would be to book a night or two or three. After all it is located just a spit and a skip from Depot Plaza. And it is centrally located to all of the history, adventure, and Jim Hinckley haunts in the historic heart of Kingman.

To find out what is going on in downtown Kingman, check out the regional calendar of events on the Kingman Tours website. And you can learn more about Kingman area adventures on the Jim Hinckley’s America webstie.

The Search for Jim (and a Signed Book)

Looking to get a book signed or swap a few tales with yours truly? Well, half the fun is finding me. That search could serve as an excuse to explore Kingman.

Aside from a few day trips, ny travel schedule is pretty light until fall. So, I might be hiking the Camp Beale Loop at sunrise. But I also enjoy a morning coffee on the patio at Mudd on 66.

Can’t find me? Except for getting a book signed, that statue of me at the start of the Kingman Tour makes a good stand-in.

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Plan Your Kingman Adventure Today

Kingman is more than a town. This is a tale of history and adventure still being written. With rugged trails, classic family owned diners, lots Route 66 nostalgia, and a growing community of passionate locals, this is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, stay awhile, and come back again.

Visit www.jimhinckleysamerica.com for more road trip inspiration. You can also learn about upcoming podcast episodes and projects. And remember: the road may begin anywhere, but the adventure starts in Kingman, my adopted hometown.